With Savannah’s downtown so walkable — and historic — it can be easy to forget that there are other natural hangouts and interesting places just out of plain sight in the greater Savannah metropolitan area. Sure, you know to see River Street, browse Broughton Street and visit Forsyth Park in the historic district, but there are also some beautiful places and interesting history off the beaten path. Places to go like the beach and artistic attractions offer some family-friendly alternative things to do in Savannah, while nature lovers should include Savannah National Wildlife Refuge on their itinerary.
Do you want a more in-depth understanding of lesser-known American history? Immerse yourself in the history of Georgia at the Wormsloe State Historic Site in Savannah, where the captivating tabby ruins of Noble Jones' colonial estate stand as the oldest architectural remnant in the city. If you're building a day trip, there's also Fort Pulaski National Monument, a nearby fort full of history and scenic beauty just east of the city. Continue toward Tybee Island for a relaxing day at the beach; with miles of coastline, there's plenty of space to spread out and soak up the sun.
For those who want to explore the local arts and culture, a number of local haunts, including galleries and architecturally significant attractions offer convenient and immersive opportunities or even guided tours. So why not switch up your Savannah itinerary, uncover interesting history and discover a different side to the Southern city?
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument, Georgia
This historic fort is named after Kazimierz (Casimir) Pulaski, a general who died from injuries sustained from the siege of Savannah in the American Revolution. The Union Army seized it during the Civil War, adding another dimension to the fort's background. These days you will find it a good place to stroll and learn about history. The attraction lies just outside the historic downtown on the way to Tybee Island.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
Hardeeville, SC
Navigate the Savannah Coastal Refuge Complex, spanning from Pinckney Island, S.C. to Wolf Island, Ga. Don't miss the visitor center at 694 Beech Hill Lane in Hardeeville, South Carolina. Utilize the trails — once rice fields — for wildlife viewing and hiking in habitats rich with species like waterfowl, deer and bobcats.
Note: The Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex, managed from its Savannah, Georgia headquarters, oversees seven distinct refuges, including the substantial Savannah refuge as well as the smaller Pinckney Island, Tybee, Wassaw, Harris Neck, Blackbeard Island, and Wolf Island refuges.
Skidaway Island State Park
This hidden gem on the Georgia coast is waiting for you to explore. Just a short drive from historic Savannah, you'll find stunning maritime forests and salt marshes bordering the Skidaway Narrows, part of Georgia's Intracoastal Waterway. Among the many outdoor activities available at the park are camping, picnicking and hiking.
SCAD Museum
601 Turner Blvd.
It’s hard to miss the Savannah College of Art and Design since many restored buildings in the Savannah historic district belong to the campus, and you might see SCAD students sketching and collaborating, but you’ll want to head to the contemporary art museum for a different take. SCAD Museum offers eye-catching, sometimes provocative art by professional artists. The pieces change often, so every visit could be different, a plus if you’re a repeat visitor to the city of Savannah.Read More
Temple Mickve Israel
20 E. Gordon St.
Savannah has one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the United States after New York and Newport, R.I. The colony welcomed the immigrants around 1733 during a yellow fever epidemic. Found along beautiful Monterey Square, the current synagogue was built circa 1878 and features Gothic Revival architecture, an uncommon architectural type for synagogues in America.Read More
Tybee Island
Tybee Island, Georgia
Once marketed as Savannah Beach, this barrier island offers a sandy shore, where you can put down a towel and relax with family or friends. Easy to access from U.S. 80, North Beach is only about 30 minutes away from the Savannah historic district — an outing here is a perfect way to end your trip.
Wormsloe State Historic Site
Savannah, Georgia
Noble Jones, an English-born colonist who came to Georgia with Gen. James E. Oglethorpe, established the historical Isle of Hope in 1736. Explore the remnants of his fortified tabby house, the only surviving architecture from Georgia's first decade, located at the end of a picturesque 1.5-mile oak-lined avenue. A museum showcases excavated artifacts and an immersive audiovisual show about early settlement in Georgia. You'll also find nature trails, re-created homesite, blacksmith area and living-history area where interpreters in period costumes demonstrate colonial crafts.